It’s not always clear what does or doesn’t count as a dental emergency. For example, if you’re currently experiencing pain in one of your teeth, you may find yourself wondering how serious the situation truly is. Is it okay to wait to have the problem treated? Or do you need to schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as you can? Here’s what you need to know to properly respond to the situation when your tooth is in pain.
What Does It Mean When Your Tooth Is in Pain?
Tooth pain can be linked to a wide range of oral health issues. Sometimes, the discomfort may be due to an untreated cavity or an abscess. In other cases, it could be a sign that your tooth is cracked or otherwise damaged. In order to determine what’s causing your tooth pain, you will need to visit your dentist and let them perform a thorough examination of your mouth.
When Does Tooth Pain Warrant an Emergency Dental Appointment?
You should treat your tooth pain as a dental emergency if:
- The discomfort is particularly severe or has lasted for more than a couple of days.
- The gum tissue around the tooth in question has become swollen.
- The tooth has been damaged in some way.
- You experience significant discomfort when the tooth comes in contact with anything hot or cold.
- You are also experiencing a fever.
Remember, ignoring tooth pain for too long can be dangerous. More often than not, the underlying issue that is causing your discomfort will only grow worse over time. As such, even if you’re not completely sure that your tooth pain is an emergency, it’s still a good idea to make arrangements to see your dentist as soon as you can.
What Can You Do About Tooth Pain at Home?
While you’re waiting to see your dentist for a toothache, you can keep your discomfort under control by taking an over-the-counter painkiller. You can also hold a cold compress over the area to reduce any swelling that might be present around the tooth. It’s worth noting that certain foods can potentially make your tooth pain worse; as such, until you’re able to see your dentist, you should avoid anything that’s particularly sugary, acidic, hard, or crunchy.
When your tooth is in pain, it’s important to act quickly. The sooner you see your dentist, the sooner they can identify and treat the underlying problem, thereby alleviating your discomfort and protecting the health of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Meredith Todd graduated from the University of Maryland – Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. She is one of only 6% of dentists in the United States who have earned a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. At Harbor Dental Center in Cambridge, she offers same-day appointments for patients with toothaches and other urgent oral health issues. If you want to request an emergency appointment with Dr. Todd, you can contact her office at (410) 228-5445.